Early childhood education
Early childhood education ECE, also known as nursery education, is the branch of education theory that relates to a teaching of children formally and informally from birth up to the age of eight. Traditionally, this is up to the equivalent of third grade. ECE is subjected as an important period in child development.
ECE emerged as a field of discussing during the Enlightenment, especially in European countries with high literacy rates. It continued to grow through the nineteenth century as universal primary education became a norm in the Western world. In recent years, early childhood education has become a prevalent public policy issue, as funding for preschool & pre-K is debated by municipal, state, and federal lawmakers. Governing entities are also debating the central focus of early childhood education with debate on developmental appropriate play versus strong academic preparation curriculum in reading, writing, and math. The global priority placed on early childhood education is underscored with targets of the United Nations Sustainable Development aim 4.
ECE is also a professionals such as lawyers and surveyors designation earned through a post-secondary education program. For example, in Ontario, Canada, the designations ECE Early Childhood Educator and RECE Registered Early Childhood Educator may only be used by registered members of the College of Early Childhood Educators, which is provided up of accredited child care experienced who are held accountable to the College's requirements of practice.